Taking your company into a new country can be an exciting adventure, especially if it’s the first time you’ve done so. After all, you are getting the opportunity to experience a new culture while remaining in the safety net of your organization. Sounds great, right? With the appropriate amount of preparation, a real understanding that there will likely be some level of culture shock, and an open mindset for being able to move through – and over – unexpected obstacles, it can be the experience of a lifetime.
“We thought it was just another move, but this time across the ocean instead of state lines.”
This is the comment we recently heard when we spoke with an executive who has just relocated from the United States to Ireland. He and his wife are veterans at moving around the US and felt this would be similar to other moves, just farther. Here’s how he describes it in hindsight – “Everything’s exactly the same, except that it’s not”. In that observation he is referring to the fact that there are many activities that a person expects to do wherever they live – open a bank account, get a driver’s license, find a place to live, even place orders with Amazon. What he found as they initially got settled is that most things take “5 more steps and 15 more pieces of paper” than he planned.
“Everything’s the same, except that it’s not.”
As long as expats understand that there will be some extra paperwork and processes to get settled, there will be less stress when things take longer than expected. In other words, plan for the unexpected in schedules, timeline, and expectations.
Here are some items to prepare for in advance. The more you are aware of and can plan for, the less undue stress you’ll put on yourself.
Set up a bank account as soon as possible
In many countries, most everything you do will require that you have a bank account – to rent an apartment, to set up electricity, and to get a cell phone, for instance. Many companies will not take credit but will want to set up automatic withdrawals. You’ll need a bank account to do that. Assume that you won’t have a credit background since you’re new to a country and you may have difficulties opening up a bank account or getting credit.
TIP: See if you can take advantage of your company’s commercial bank account relationship if they have existing international relationships. The commercial side of the bank should be able to direct you to a personal banker who can help you open an account. If you want your spouse to be on your account, they will most likely need to show up in person.
Get a cell phone with a local number
Do this on the same day you get your bank account if you can. Having a local cell phone will help you connect with people in the new country. They will be much more likely to call you on a local number than your home country phone number. And one of the ways you will start to settle in is through making local connections.
Get a credit card in the local currency
There are several reasons for getting a local credit card. One is to avoid any international currency conversion charges on your home country card. Another is to establish credit, since the credit you’ve built up over the years in your home country may very well not be acknowledged. Again, realize that you don’t have a credit record and this might not be as easy or fast as it is in your home country.
Find out what it will take to get a driver’s license before you go
Even if you’ve driven in your own country for years, it may not be as easy as walking up to a counter to get a replacement. For instance, while people with a valid driver’s license from a European Union country can use it throughout the EU, a person moving from the US to Ireland without an international driving license will have to take a driver theory test, apply for a learner driving permit, get 12 hours of instruction, and take a driving test in order to get a license. If it will take a while for you to be able to drive, figure out what your options are for transportation until you get a license.
Understand your public and private health insurance requirements and verify that the healthcare options work for your family
If you have a family or any of you have health concerns, be sure you know your insurance options, how to access them, how much they will cost, and who will pay for them. It will be very important for you to know that you and your family will be adequately covered and cared for if you have any medical issues. There may be universal healthcare coverage available to you, but you also may need supplemental insurance. If anyone in your family needs any specific medicines or care, make sure those are available and affordable. It’s also important to have confidence in your ability to obtain critical medical care if something unexpected should happen.
If you are moving to another country, you may have to pay for public health insurance. Insurance programs and plans change from year to year, so it’s always good to make sure you have updated information. The following gives you an example for what you might find.
If you are moving to the UK for a temporary stay of more than 6 months from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), you may have to pay an immigration health surcharge when you apply for your visa. This will give you access to the National Health System (NHS), where some services are free, others will require some level of payment, and some are not covered. You may be required to pay part of your prescription costs and a small charge for basic dental services that keep your mouth and teeth healthy. If you want or need things beyond basic dental care, you will pay more and go to a private dentist rather than an NHS dentist. Will your kids need braces? Find out what your insurance options are before you go.
If you are taking a job in the Netherlands and don’t have a job overseas, you will have to get health insurance. You will be required to take out basic insurance within 4 months of when your residence permit starts and can also get supplemental insurance. In the Netherlands, many services are covered in part or in whole. As soon as you get insurance, it’s a good idea to register with a doctor’s office and pharmacy. You may have a hard time getting in to see a doctor if you wait until you are ill, and prescriptions can only be filled at a pharmacy.
Both employee and company should understand the real estate market for rentals and purchases
Real estate can often be a significant portion of monthly expenses, whether renting or buying. And in some cities, the market is tight and it will take time to find the right place in the right area. First, understand what the market is like and how easy it will be to find a place where you will want to live. Second, there should be a clear understanding for both the company and the expat how expensive real estate is. It could be multiples more expensive than where you are coming from. Factor it into the compensation package so that both sides understand the realities of that expense.
If possible, consider taking some time – weeks or even a month or two – to stay in a hotel or find an Airbnb to get used to the city, to understand the neighborhoods where you’ll want to live, to clock your commute, to get a feel for the city. It is much harder to try to find a place to live long-distance or to make a decision after being shown options over several hours with an agent.
Know how schools work
In some places, kids go to the local school based on their address. In others, kids can apply to any school and will go where there is room or where they are accepted based on grades or achievement. There may be private or expat options. You may want your child immersed in the local culture and language, or want to keep them in a school where they will speak English. Make sure you understand how the school system works and know where your family’s comfort zone and preferences are so you can find the right school option for your children.
Learn the language
If you are moving to a country where another language is spoken, determine how all of the family members will have a chance to learn at least important phrases, if not dive into becoming fluent. There are several advantages to this. First, when you use the local language (again, even a few key phrases are a good start), you demonstrate your commitment to the country and a willingness to fit in and expand your horizons. You also open up your world view, will better understand the culture, and often improve your business prospects. And on a very practical level, being multi-lingual in our interconnected and global business community is an asset.
We recently interviewed one businessman who moved to many countries as a child while following his father’s transfers as a career diplomat. Before moving to a new country, his father received intensive language instruction through his employer. The children quickly picked up the new language through school and playing with their new friends. His mother, however, did not have the training or the opportunities that the rest of the family had for language immersion. This situation can leave the spouse feeling isolated and unassimilated. And an unhappy spouse can have a very negative impact on your stay! His mother arranged for private language lessons, and things got much easier.
Make sure you have addressed how everyone in the family will learn the language and consider building language training into your relocation package or your budget, at the very least. And if languages come easily to any of you and you are willing to plunge into the community, you can find other ways to learn the local language and culture.
And speaking of culture…
It goes without saying that each country and ethnic group has its own set of cultural norms and traditions, sometimes drawing upon history that could be much older than your own country’s. Treat this time as an opportunity to learn about cultures and traditions other than your own. One of the least effective things you can do is impose your own culture on theirs or judge them for their differences. On the other hand, sharing and learning cultural traditions is a great way to build community and relationships.
Put together a comprehensive compensation package that takes into account these and other factors
Both company and employee will need to adequately address the actual costs of opening up a new country and expats want to maintain their standard of living. Be sure to consider things such as tax equalization (will your company ensure that you aren’t double-taxed, at home and abroad?) and home leave (including periodic trips back to your hometown, to re-engage with family, community, and your company’s home office) and ultimately, re-integration back to your home country once your agreed upon term is over – or even earlier for things such as medical conditions or family situations requiring you to return home.
Think about whether you have the right mindset for moving and working abroad
Tzuza.com is a personal relocation planning company based in the Netherlands that has experts all over the world. Tzuza helps you move from country to country. Our contact in India has some good advice for people going to that country. First of all, India is very populous. That may go without saying, but people who have never been to countries such as India or China will experience sensory overload – it’s noisy, crowded, chaotic, and everyone appears to be in a hurry. People who appreciate calm and order may have a hard time adjusting. Check yourself to make sure you are adaptable and have either had experience with other cultures or at a minimum, have a genuine appreciation for them. The person who succeeds in India will have an open mind, will not be in a rush, and will allow unpredictable things to happen.
The same philosophy applies to anyone traveling to a culture very different from their own. If you come from a culture where people are very direct, such as Germany, you will be confused by the indirectness of the British. If establishing strong relationships prior to negotiating deals is culturally appropriate, make sure you’re aware of that before you go there. In Asian countries such as Singapore, China, and in the Middle East, it may take more time to negotiate because relationships must be built first. The more you are prepared, and the more willing you are to be flexible and learn from – even embrace – the culture you have entered, the more likely you will be to do well. If that doesn’t sound like your style, think twice about taking the international posting.
Keep your family happy and keep connected back home
Another common refrain we hear, from both relocation experts and expats themselves is that it is imperative to make sure that your spouse or partner is just as open to the experience as you are. While you are having an exciting adventure and career-building opportunity, did they have to give up or put a career on hold? Will that cause friction? And how about your kids? Are they also engaged in the adventure or are they upset to have left all of their friends ‘back home’? Is your family deeply embedded in your community with a strong network? Are there close ties with family members? It’s better to understand up front if there are any concerns about leaving close ties behind that could impact your stay overseas.
If you do decide that the family is ready to go, find ways to stay connected and keep in touch. Options such as WhatsApp and Zoom, and scheduled visits back home will help. There are many ways to stay connected and see each other’s faces – and that will go a long way to making your adventure fun and an experience to be shared.
If you can do this… you can do this!
If you have the right mindset, the right family dynamics, a supportive company, and an understanding for the realities of international job postings, taking a position in a new country can be a great experience. The more you know yourself and the country you will move to, the better you will succeed.
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